EDITOR ’ S CHOICE CUSTOMISED SUPPORT
SOURCE ENGINEERING
Matrix goes back to Source to manufacture its innovative seating structure for wheelchair users
A Plymouth manufacturer is playing a key role in helping develop a new seating system for wheelchairs that improves function and corrects body posture .
Source Engineering , a specialist in pressed and machined components , has supported Matrix Seating with a complex stamped part that acts as a locking clamp for the unique micro modules that are shaped to deliver customised support .
A 5-strong engineering team has worked with inventor Dr Steve Cousins to come up with a 11-stage progression tool capable of producing the ‘ lock ’ in spring steel – vital for delivering strength and flexibility at a unit price that works .
120,000 of the components have already been manufactured and delivered , with an increase in sales from the UK , Europe , the Middle East and the US set to result in a surge in volumes .
“ This is a really exciting project to be involved in and we are delighted to be able to use our design and manufacturing expertise to help people enjoy a longer and better standard of life ,” explained Pablo Gutierrez , Technical Director at Source Engineering .
“ Steve approached us about coming up with a stamped metal part to replace what was previously a plastic and then hybrid component . He ’ d been to a number of other suppliers , but we were the only one prepared to invest the design time in trying to come up with a solution that worked .”
He continued : “ There was a lot to consider . We had to deliver a critically strong part that still allowed the system , which looks like a robust mesh and is fitted in place of the usual wheelchair back , to move to deliver the potential orthotic spinal correction .
“ Initially , it was deemed to be just one part for the locking clamp , but after a number of prototypes and iterations we found that it was best to manufacture two components - a top and a bottom that would be connected with a bolt . Tolerances were really tight and also had to meet clinical specification .”
Source Engineering has a long track record of taking projects from design and prototyping to volume production and this experience really came to the fore with this opportunity .
12 PECM Issue 53